Once thought to be one of the key links required for a good Google ranking, DMOZ (The Open Directory Project) has slowly started to fade away into an afterthought for many search engine marketers.

Completely run by volunteers, DMOZ has struggled over the last few years with issues of backlogs, editor shortages and outside accusations of favoritism and even corruption. As a one-time editor myself, I can tell you that the cause was noble, the work was time-consuming, and the concept may be flawed enough that no amount of grass-roots effort will be able to save it. That said, I don't have quite as pessimistic a view of the directory as some people do.

For a harsh look at what has become of DMOZ over time, you can check out today's guest article: "DMOZ in 2005" from Phil Craven.